It's an absolute imperative to show kids the importance of kindness and generosity. With that in mind, we've rounded up 10 easy ways to show kindness as a family.

The calendar is now filled with random celebration days that pop up on social media. Some are funny, others are silly, and many are meaningful and inspire positive action. But despite the fact that there is a World Kindness Day (November 13), we’re of the mind that generosity and kindness never need a specific day to shine, and we should never need an excuse to teach our kids the importance of embodying empathy and spreading love.

So, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up 10 simple and thoughtful ways to show kindness and generosity together as a family. These activities not only set a positive example for impressionable young ones but also teach the next generation about the lasting impact of a kind word or gesture. Plus, just watch the ripple effects across your community.

  1. Leave messages of kindness in the community.

Collect a handful of large rocks—one or two per person—and brainstorm a list of kind wishes and thoughts. Using oil-based or acrylic paint, paint each rock with a hopeful message. Once all of the rocks are completely dry, drive around down and place them in areas for people to see when they walk by. Worried the paint will rub off? Spray with outdoor shellac to seal the messages in.

  1. Shop with intent.

Lots of companies use some of their proceeds to support charitable organizations around the world. Do some research to find a product or two that would help to fund a cause you believe in, and add those items to your cart in your grocery shop. You can also buy from local shops and boutiques to support the businesses in your community. (Also, in 2025, with the threat of a looming tariff war, it’s as important as ever to shop Canadian!)

  1. Help a neighbour.

Depending on the time of year, think about yardwork. As the snow threatens to fly (or has already shown up in certain parts of the country!), as weeds begin to sprout or leaves fall, surprise a neighbour and rake their leaves, shovel their walk, tend to some gardening, or ask them if there’s anything you can do to help them get ready for winter or spring.

  1. Do a porch drop.

The pandemic taught us that people love care packages. Make a batch of cookies or cupcakes and drop them at a friend’s door, to tell them you’re thinking of them. Just be sure they’re home first!

  1. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru line.

If you’ve ever had the experience of pulling up to the drive-thru window only to hear that the person ahead of you paid for your coffee or food, you know how warm and fuzzy it feels. Plus, when you do it, it usually inspires the person behind you to pay for the person behind them, starting a domino effect of kindness. (Your kids will love this one—they’ll excitedly watch behind as you drive away to gauge the reaction of the person you’ve treated to their caffeine fix.)

  1. A smile goes a long way.

Set out on a grocery shop, a market trip or even a trip to the park with the intention of smiling at and greeting everyone you meet along the way. Sometimes a cheerful acknowledgment makes a world of difference.

  1. Learn what food banks in your area need and make a donation.

Food banks play a vital role in supporting individuals and families facing financial hardship—a current reality for more families than you may realize. Find out what items your local food bank needs and involve your kids in purchasing or gathering donations. If it’s easier, consider making a monetary contribution to support their efforts.

  1. Ask your kids for their ideas on ways to show kindness.

Kids are naturally outside-of-the-box, creative thinkers. Ask them how they want to show kindness to others. (ParentsCanada ran a contest in 2021, asking how people showed kindness in the previous months, and so many of the answers were awesome and unexpected. They ranged from neighbourhood clean-ups to giving blood!)

  1. Send snail mail to a faraway friend.

Receiving a handwritten letter or package in the mail is a rare and delightful experience. Have your kids create cards or draw pictures to send to loved ones. It’s a thoughtful gesture that can bring unexpected joy.

  1. Order coffee or dinner for someone you love.

Food delivery apps make it easy to send coffee or dinner to a friend (even if they’re on the other side of the country!). It takes a little pre-planning and it might be hard to make it a surprise, but picking up the tab for a friend’s favourite latte is sure to tell them you care.

Small acts of kindness and generosity create ripples that can brighten someone’s day and strengthen community bonds. The best part? You don’t need a special occasion to spread a little love.

Originally published in November 2021. Updated in February 2025.